Reply to BCC Middle School Site Selction number 2

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Reply to "BCC Middle School Site Selction number 2 - 2012 version - "

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[quote=Anonymous]The thing I keep thinking is that the lack of due diligence on the sites is shocking given that this is the second site selection committee.  MCPS should have figured out all the legal issues regarding use of parks long before restarting the process.  It almost seems like they are acting like children - refusing to acknowledge  factual or legal issues that make certain parks unavailable.

I wish they would take a hard look at the land MCPS actually currently owns.  For example, MCPS owns land at lynnbrook and could build a middle school there and  work out use of the fields at the adjacent park with parks.  They would probably have to get some zoning exemptions to build it high enough - and also consider an underground parking garage - but that is life in downcounty.  And yes, they might have to widen streets.  If MCPS insists on using design criteria that come from the exurbs, it will never be able to build a new middle school.  If they are going to build at RCH, then again, do it right.  put in a parking garage, the building might have to be 8 floors high.  But don't sacrifice the playing fields.  Accept the fact that we are now urban with urban constraints and be as efficient in a design as they would have to be in any urban setting.

Alternatively,  where MCPS does not own land next to a park (or have recall rights in a park), think about purchasing the land next to a park.  For example, purchase land next to NCC and work out a deal with Parks to have an environmentally themed school and use the NCC fields.  (e.g., buy the bethesda recreation center (private pool) that is tucked behind NCC and build the building there preserving the park).

Finally, if greenspace has to be taken, I would like some consideration on using private greenspace.  Columbia Country Club is centerally located.  I know, people would scream.  But if there must be sacrifices for the GREATER good - then one should consider PRIVATE greenspace along with PUBLIC greenspace.  If MCPS seriously considered taking private greenspace through the use of emminient domain - suddenly the whole BCC community would be alight with supporters of greenspace.  I have no doubt that given sufficient backlash, MCPS would rapidly find a solution that involved building on property it already owns or finding other built up property to redevelop.  I think perhaps that it will take failing for a second time for MCPS to engage in some serious problem solving. [/quote]

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